#258 Michael Ying

Hired as Esprit's primary sourcing agent in 1971. Later bought rights to the clothing brand in Europe and Asia; listed Esprit Far East on Hong Kong stock exchange in 1993. Ying stepped down as chief executive in 2003; remains chairman. Has proclaimed firm needs to buy up competitors or expand aggressively in big cities to maintain massive growth. Tycoon has been steadily selling off stake over the past few years, pocketing almost $1 billion along the way; still holds 16% of Esprit.